TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The nation's top law enforcement official was in Tallahassee Thursday to address what the Trump administration has declared a "public health crisis."
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made it very clear that something has to be done to contain what's being called an "opioid epidemic." He said Florida has seen more than its fair share of overdose deaths, and now is the time to take action.
Sessions addressed more than 100 people, many of whom were local and federal law enforcement. He said the President is investing six billion dollars to battle opioid abuse, specifically for treatment and prevention.
A new task force and opioid fraud and detection unit have been created in Sessions' first year as U.S. Attorney General.
He said there's more to come from the current administration.
"President Trump believes our country can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse addiction and overdose that has devastated countless American families, and so do I," said Sessions. "And I believe most law enforcement believe that, too. This administration will continue to use every tool at our disposal to end the crisis."
Sessions announced a new initiative Thursday. The DEA will send 250 task force officers across the country to help crack down on those violating drug policies.
Sessions praised this district for being a "national leader" in prosecuting professionals, including doctors, for contributing to the epidemic.
Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo, State Attorney Jack Campbell, and Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil were among more than 100 local and federal law enforcement officers at Thursday's event.
